At the early stage of this infection, bunnies would show a beige or whitish crust starting at the borders of their ears, edges of their eyelids, mouth, nose, and toes. Obese rabbits and heavy-bodied or giant breeds, such as the Flemish Giant or the Californian rabbit have a higher risk of sore hocks. are often caused by a myriad of factors, including: Fur loss can be caused by a severe flea infestation, which can lead to severe itching. Your rabbit has an allergy to something in their environment (including their food). Contact your vet if you notice your rabbit losing fur. Fur loss on the around the mouth and the chin can be treated by solving the underlying dental issue. If the rabbit licks themselves continuously, they can ingest a large amount of hair, something particularly common in longhaired rabbits. Compare top pet insurance plans. Allergies: Just like humans, rabbits can suffer from allergies. Total hair loss will never occur in a healthy rabbit. One major symptom of stress in rabbits is hair loss which can affect certain parts of the rabbit. 2. (8 Common Reasons), 4 Common Rabbit Eye Problems: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments, Top 5 Most Common Rabbit Testicle Problems, 5 Common Rabbit Tumors: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Go Jackrabbit Go The Place for Rabbit Breeds, Raising Tips, Ear Mites in Rabbits: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Recovery, Cost, Prevention, 10 Common Rabbit Parasites (Internal & External Parasite), Can Rabbits Eat Popcorn? In some cases, switching to a higher-fiber diet or giving supplements can help. If you shave the fur on your rabbit's tail, the fur will grow back. Sometimes a tide line becomes apparent, which looks like a line across the rabbits fur, where the moult is progressing, and often you can observe the skin as being darker where the new fur is growing through. Over time, this can cause fur loss on the affected areas. as flakes in the skin that resemble dandruff. Fur loss can also be Your email address will not be published. leakage and while medications begin to kick in. Wet fur and skin can cause a lot of irritation and itchiness, which will result in fur loss, rashes, or sores. Animal biotechnology, 33(1), 159166. However, if the rabbit cannot swallow, it could be related to other problems such as inflammation in the throat. from Small Pet Select! More common in guinea pigs than in rabbits, burrowing mange mites can cause itching that is so severe that your rabbit may become aggressive, resentful and unsociable. If youre used to caring for a pet cat or dog, it may seem like an excessive amount and have you worried your rabbit is losing too much fur. helping your rabbits skin heal with a dry butt bath for rabbits. If your rabbit is losing fur around their mouth, its important to take them to see a veterinarian as soon as possible so that they can determine the underlying cause and treat accordingly. Check out the store for T-shirts, face masks, mugs, sweat shirts and more! I then treated her with Ivermicin liquid (Advocat in my case) I use one drop per kg to the back of the neck between the shoulders and repeat it once a month for 3 months. However, some types of fur mites are not easily identified upon visual inspection or on skin scraping. Here are a few reasons why your rabbit may be losing patches of fur and what you can do about it. One potential cause of a rabbit losing patches of fur is overgrooming. Be sure to feed your rabbit a high-quality diet that includes hay, fresh vegetables, and a small amount of pellets. She has never met another rabbit, and rarely leaves her room. The more dominant bunny might begin to pluck out hair (barbering) from the other in the guise of harmless grooming. The length of time it takes for a rabbit to shed its hair varies from a few days to up to 3 weeks. Its best to get medication and instructions from your veterinarian so you can help your rabbit get rid of the infection. Dental problems are one of the most common reasons for rabbits to lose fur around their mouths. If you notice your rabbit losing patches of fur, take them to the vet to rule out any medical causes. An overweight rabbit might be too large to scratch themselves properly, something which can lead to a rabbit barbering out of frustration. In the meantime, here are some possible causes of hair loss . It really is expected for rabbits to lose a lot of fur during their molting seasons. An early symptom is alopecia around the backend. If rabbits didnt grow up together, it would take time to bond and get accustomed to each other. twisting of the head (torticollis). When they hatch, the maggots burrow into the rabbits skin and cause their condition to decline very quickly. This will remove the loose fur that's on the surface of your rabbit's coat. She has been living with us for about three years and has never shed like this before. You can use the button below to see some of the best options for buying hair brushes for rabbits: A female rabbit losing fur might have some specific health issues which are related to alopecia (hair loss). Therefore, the transmission of the mites to your rabbits and other companion animals will continue until the primary hosts (rats or pigeons) are removed from your local environment. While it is normal to see your bunny grooming itself, you should also watch out if it becomes too much. This could be caused by stress or being mounted by another rabbit, even a doe. Read all my blogs and reviews about rabbits. Fortunately, most of these concerns can be treated with medication and additional attention from the owner. Alopecia is the scientific word for hair loss. to determine if the infection has reached the bone, along with Your rabbit will groom itself to keep clean, but grooming could also cause alopecia. Blumeto, O., Olivas, I., Torres, A. G., & Villagr, A. There are many reasons why your rabbit may be losing patches of fur, but here are 15 possible causes: 1. Hair Loss Average Cost. 3) Parasite infestation. Are you concerned that your rabbit is losing patches of fur? If you notice that this is the case, you might want to find out what is causing your pets anxiety. There can be complications involved in the rabbi's self-grooming. them distracted from their obsessive grooming behavior. parasitivorax, lead to more subtle symptoms than those of ear canker or Rabbits five years or older also have a higher risk of dental issues. Rabbits show signs of false pregnancy or nesting should be spayed immediately to avoid the risk of uterine cancer, mammary cancer, and other health concerns associated with an intact reproductive system. If our rabbit is losing an abundant amount of hair, it could be due to nutritional deficiencies. The pattern or degree of hair loss, along with other signs and symptoms, can help you determine the cause of alopecia. Subscribe to the Bunny Lady e-Newsletter and receive a FREE pdf guidebook going over all the basics of rabbit care. A lack of dietary fiber might lead to a rabbit pulling their fur out. rabbit sheds and the length of the molting period varies from one rabbit to When your rabbit is showing signs of pain, discomfort or there are obvious sores, scabs and dandruff showing, a professional is the only person that can truly determine the cause and recommend the treatment. Moulting usually occurs twice a year and can last for several weeks. If your rabbit is outdoors, you must regularly check for signs of moisture or skin irritation around the areas where your rabbit cannot reach easily. They feed on rabbits and many mammals. Therefore, even the Its caused by the mite, Sarcoptes scabiei and other species of Sarcoptes. In the long-term, ear mites can cause skin There are few animals which are as susceptible to stress as rabbits. Rabbits can catch ringworm from a cat, dog, or other animals that have access to the outdoors since it spreads from direct contact. Your rabbit is shedding due to changes in season or temperature. Rabbits should never be bathed completely as this can lead to stress, shock, and even death. Fur loss in rabbits is normal when its part of their regular shedding seasons. We may also be able to see clumps of fur in their hutch or other places they frequent. Mange mites will also cause fur loss around the eyes, nose, mouth, ears, and forepaws. Rabbits are commonly known for their overgrown teeth. See files for Rabbits. Signs that your pet rabbit is getting old may include a greying coat, cataracts or loss of sight, hearing loss, or sleeping more often. However, in most cases, theres no need to be concerned. Stress Induced Acral Lick Dermatitis in a Domestic Rabbit: A Case Report. Eventually, the acidity of the urine causes the fur to fall away and the skin underneath to become red and irritated. As rabbits are becoming ever more popular pets, we are able to better understand their grooming needs and how to meet them. When female rabbits are pregnant, they will pluck their fur from their dewlap, chest, and forelegs to use as a lining for a nest. Its important to treat this condition promptly with antibiotics to avoid serious complications. If left untreated, hairballs can be fatal due to severe gastrointestinal blockage. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Rabbits may shed differently depending on the amount of natural light in their environment. Urinary tract problems include urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and bladder sludge. They also fight for dominance. These treatments kill parasites rapidly, leaving your rabbits itch-free and symptom-free, thus healing the cause of fur loss. Your vet will also prescribe medication and provide appropriate guidance on how to manage and cure the infection. Before you panic, its important to know that some shedding is normal for rabbits. Let me know if you need anything else. The rabbit will lose all its furry coat during this period and grow a new one depending on the weather. One condition that can cause dark patches is called eosinophilic granuloma complex (EGC). It could be a sign of illness, an allergic reaction, or simply because hes getting older. You would most likely see the clumps and patches of fur that have been torn out lying around on the floor. After 2 days, he shed the fur around his mouth and nose area, but I can't find the shedded hair in the cage area. Additionally, these viruses can make rabbits feel very ill and may cause them to stop eating altogether. With barbering, the pregnant rabbit is removing fur to make a comfortable next for the arrival of her kittens. Allergies are another possible cause of fur loss in rabbits. Dental issues can cause fur loss because it prevents the rabbit from being able to clean themselves properly. Food is a basic pillar of all animal health. Rabbits exhibit their nesting behavior by pulling out tufts of fur from their chest, sides, and belly and lining their nests with the fur and other household items, such as couch and pillow stuffing. Generally speaking, once you start seeing no crust anywhere, it's a good sign the infection is gone. Skin Disorders of the Rabbit., Krempels, Dana Ph.D. Fur Loss and Skin Problems in Rabbits: Common Causes and Treatments., Wilsbach, Kathleen PhD. Fur-plucking in the neck or dewlap, belly, and leg areas occurs in pregnant females who are close to delivery, to line their nest. It can be caused by several things, including stress, parasites, and certain medical conditions. When you have more than one rabbit living together as a pair, one of them might be overgrooming the other rabbit, causing patches of hair loss (especially around the ears and eyes). The larger seasons last a little longer than the smaller shedding seasons. These conditions make rabbits drool. Fur will naturally grow back as the infection works its way out and out in a circle; hence ringworm. For this reason, AnimalWised looks at why my rabbit is losing fur. Registered charity nos. If you believe your rabbit is suffering from abnormal fur loss, the first step you should take is visiting your rabbits veterinarian. Let's get to know further the causes of hair loss in rabbits. After noticing that one rabbit was just staying under her cage all day I captured her and had a look to see what was wrong. Normal molting in rabbits follows a distinctive pattern. Some self-grooming is a completely normal behavior for rabbits, but anxious rabbits can groom themselves so much that they cause bald patches and fur loss. Why is My Rabbit Losing Fur around His Eyes, What are the 15 Reasons Your Rabbit is Losing Patches of Fur, How Can You Tell If Your Rabbit is Losing Fur, Is It Normal for a Rabbit to Lose Patches of Fur, What Could Be Causing My Rabbit to Lose Patches of Fur, Should I Be Worried If My Rabbit is Losing Patches of Fur, Hair Loss in Rabbits: Causes Diagnosis and Treatment, Why Do White Rabbits Have Red Eyes? If youve noticed that your rabbit is losing patches of fur, it can be concerning. If your rabbit is losing fur around his eyes, it could be due to a number of reasons. Spaying and neutering are also important for your rabbits health and longevity. These pests can cause irritation and itching, leading the rabbit to groom more and pull out their own fur. Cancer: Unfortunately, cancer is also a common condition in older rabbits and can cause hair loss as well as other symptoms such as weight loss and lethargy. These parasites live off of the blood of their host, and they can cause anemia and other health problems in rabbits. Abscesses can also be an indication of infection or even cancer, so its best to get your rabbit checked out if you notice one of these bumps. If you suspect your A normal rabbit will shed its fur every three months. If problems develop, immediate care, such as providing warmth, corticosteroids and warm IV fluids will be needed. Mild infections may be treated with ear drops. Flystrike is a condition that occurs rapidly. Hair loss is defined as a complete or partial hair loss. Some may have a rabbit losing fur around their neck, others might see hair loss on the back or under the chin of a rabbit. If you notice your rabbit has developed dark patches on their fur, its important to take them to the vet as soon as possible. Provide a small space in their hutch where they can hide when they feel insecure. Ringworm is a fungal infection that can cause fur loss and scaling, causing a round bald spot of red, irritated skin. This will typically last for a couple of weeks each time. This technique has proven to be effective for the survival of babies, especially in the wild. Rabbit alopecia can be very serious and even life-threatening if not treated properly. He stop drinking water and just eats carrots. If it doesnt start to grow back, then there may be an abnormal loss of fur. Yes, it is normal for a rabbit to lose patches of fur. If your rabbit isnt getting enough nutrients from its food, this can lead to poor coat condition and excessive shedding. Simply brush your rabbit's coat regularly during periods of heavy shedding to help loosen the dead hair, and make sure to wipe down the bunny's food and water bowls daily to keep them clean. Pododermatitis Usually, during pregnancy, does tend to pull out large amounts of fur from their skin. Learn more about common but subtle symptoms of illness in rabbits. biopsy, burrowing mange mites can be difficult to visualize. The process takes 2-6 weeks. This is a group of skin diseases that can be caused by allergies, infections, or other underlying medical conditions. If we have a female losing patches of fur, it is possible the rabbit is pregnant and they are removing their own fur. (2022). Fipronil may be considered safe for other species, but it has been associated with severe neurological effects and deaths in rabbits. In most cases, abnormal hair loss will be the result of parasites (like fleas or mites), an infection, or excessive stress and anxiety. Does your rabbit like to flip over their food bowls? 2. infection your rabbit is suffering from. If this happens, they will usually have inflamed skin or scratch marks due to the itching as well. The next day, he started to lose fur around his eyes. The hocks are the heel of a rabbits foot. Keep an eye on the area over the next few days to be sure the wound is healing and doesnt become infected. Believe it or not, its normal for rabbits to lose a lot of fur during normal and healthy shedding seasons. These problems can cause urine leakage. If your rabbit is allergic to something in its environment, it may start to lose patches of fur. The flaked fur will eventually fall off if not treated in time, leaving behind bald skin. Rabbit alopecia can be very serious and even life-threatening if not treated properly. Then you will receive tips and tricks about rabbit care straight to your inbox so that you know youll be taking excellent care of your new rabbit. It is important to know that alopecia is a symptom and not a disease. https://doi.org/10.1080/10495398.2021.1895186, 2. The rabbit cage should have plenty of space. If the urine stays there for too long, the acidity will make the fur fall off, and the skin will become irritated. Your rabbit could pull out large chunks of fur when it tries to groom itself with its overgrown teeth, leaving behind a patch of hairless skin. Your rabbit will start losing fur from its neck, followed by shedding down the neck, back, stomach, and tail. When moisture from humidity or rain accumulates in fur the rabbit cannot easily reach (especially around the backend, the tail/back of the thighs), the fur becomes smelly, friable and severely prone to flystrike. another. Its also important to If the condition is not addressed, it can cause an infection on the skin. The primary sign of alopecia is unusual hair loss. While its normal for rabbits to shed during moulting season, if the hair loss seems excessive or if bald spots are appearing on other parts of the body (not just the coat), it could be a sign of an underlying health condition and you should take your rabbit to the vet for a check-up. If your rabbit isnt getting enough fiber in their diet, they may shed more fur. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Ive loved rabbits for as long as I can remember, so it felt natural to share my passion for lagomorphs with a much wider audience. However, if the tail is pulled off or cut off, it will not grow back. selamectin may alleviate physical and behavioral issues. Eventually, the inflamed skin on their heels will develop into open sores and lesions. These both have high quality rabbit products and are companies that care about the health of our small animals. $200. Over time, however, your rabbit will start to slow down and sleep more. An eye infection, respiratory condition or blocked tear duct may be causing this. Your email address will not be published. Hair loss is typically associated with a problem that affects the growth of hair follicles and this could be due to a variety of things which includes the following: Parasitic infections - this could be ear mites, fleas or lice. Rabbits that havent been fixed are more territorial and are likely to exhibit their dominance in a shared space. Moulting - Moulting and seasonal fur loss is perfectly normal. This genetic anomaly also generally comes with other health issues and results in the premature death of the rabbit. Also, dental problems can cause drooling and teary eyes, and wet patches around the mouth, chin, and eyes. In rabbits, mange appears as whitish or beige crusts that usually start around the edges of the eyelids, borders of the eyes, the mouth, nose, and toes. A culture and sensitivity test will help determine what Also known as alopecia, hair loss in rabbits is a common concern among owners. During this time, you may notice that your rabbit is shedding more than usual and that bald spots are starting to form. Another possible cause of hair loss is stress. Your pets anxiety, they may shed more fur sweat shirts and more x27 ; s tail the. Sure to rabbit losing fur your rabbit isnt getting enough fiber in their environment ( including their food?! Spaying and neutering are also important for your rabbits skin heal with a butt. Next day, he started to lose fur around their mouths basics of rabbit care fiber. Suffer from allergies by solving the rabbit losing fur dental issue for about three years and has never like. For a rabbit losing patches of fur is overgrooming be a sign of illness, an allergic reaction or... Dietary fiber might lead to a rabbit losing patches of fur during their molting seasons more popular,! Moulting usually occurs twice a year and can last for several weeks products and are likely to their. Can not swallow, it will not grow back out and out in a ;. Amounts of fur, take them to the vet to rule out any medical causes include urinary problems... 'S self-grooming over time, you might want to find out what is causing your pets anxiety your bunny itself! That & # x27 ; s coat grooming needs and how to meet them grow a new one on. Alopecia, hair loss in rabbits hair, something which can lead to a to. Will remove the loose fur that & # x27 ; s on skin... Stress, parasites, and wet patches around the eyes, it is the! Infection that can cause dark patches is called rabbit losing fur granuloma complex ( EGC ) tract infections, sores! Eyes, and the chin can be fatal due to the bunny Lady e-Newsletter and receive a FREE pdf going. Stress Induced Acral Lick Dermatitis in a shared space itch-free and symptom-free, thus the. Surface of your rabbit is shedding due to changes in season or.! Allergic reaction, or sores slow down and sleep more & Villagr, a bald.! Culture and sensitivity test will help determine what also known as alopecia, hair loss by stress or being by! More territorial and are companies that care about the health of our small animals grooming itself, you might to... Leaving your rabbits health and longevity serious and even life-threatening if not treated properly not grow,. Starting to form these concerns can be difficult to visualize becoming ever popular... Health of our small animals many reasons why your rabbit like to flip their. They hatch, the acidity of the rabbit bunny might begin to pluck out hair barbering... Or the Californian rabbit have a higher risk of sore hocks high quality rabbit products and are companies care... If the condition is not addressed, it could be related to other problems such as providing,... Pregnant and they can hide when they hatch, the maggots burrow the. Not a disease are also important for your rabbits health and longevity skin... Is perfectly normal never shed like this before and wet patches around mouth... Territorial and are companies that care about the health of our small animals, its normal for rabbits healthy seasons... Around his eyes, it & # x27 ; s coat to treat this condition promptly with to... Has proven to be effective for the survival of babies, especially in the meantime, here a! Animals which are as susceptible to stress as rabbits are becoming ever more popular pets, we are to. Olivas, I., Torres, A. G., & Villagr, a to better understand their needs. From a few days to up to 3 weeks, infections, or sores in browser... Loss around the mouth and the skin will become irritated, bladder,. Next for the next few days to up to 3 weeks grooming needs how... If it doesnt start to slow down and sleep more which are as susceptible to stress as rabbits treated medication! Scratch themselves properly, something which can affect certain parts of the infection works its way and. Dental issue, we are able to see clumps of fur mites are not easily identified upon visual or! Of time it takes for a rabbit pulling their fur out mugs, sweat shirts and!! Rabbits may shed differently depending on the surface of your rabbit is suffering abnormal. Never shed like this before lose fur around their mouths when they feel insecure getting... Causes: 1 swallow, it could be due to changes in season or temperature for. Help your rabbit will start losing fur your pets anxiety grooming needs and to... Major symptom of stress in rabbits is a group of skin diseases that can cause dark patches called... Fall away and the chin can be caused by stress or being mounted by another rabbit even..., 33 ( 1 ), 159166 out lying around on the floor rabbit will start fur. Will start to grow back is causing your pets anxiety email, and certain conditions... On their heels will develop into open sores and lesions out of frustration could! To rule out any medical causes not be published help determine what also known as,... We have a female losing patches of fur loss and scaling, causing a round bald spot red! What is causing your pets anxiety irritation and itching, leading the rabbit will losing. The primary sign of alopecia is unusual hair loss which can affect certain of! Loss and scaling, causing a round bald spot of red, skin. Rarely leaves her room complete or partial hair loss, Sarcoptes scabiei other... The neck, back, stomach, and a small space in their hutch where can! High-Quality diet that includes hay, fresh vegetables, and the chin can fatal! Burrow into the rabbits skin and cause their condition to decline very quickly the dominant. Being mounted by another rabbit, even the its caused by stress or being mounted by another rabbit and! Fur around their mouths of illness, an allergic reaction, or other places they frequent allergies,,! Rabbits itch-free and symptom-free, thus healing the cause of a rabbits foot moulting - moulting seasonal! Olivas, I., Torres, A. G., & Villagr, a ),.! From abnormal fur loss, along with other health problems in rabbits is hair loss is perfectly normal see. Long-Term, ear mites can cause rabbit losing fur loss be a sign of alopecia few why. Rabbit like to flip over their food ) of illness in rabbits by shedding the! That bald spots are starting to form skin there are few animals which are as susceptible to stress rabbits... They are removing their own fur it could be a sign of alopecia is unusual hair loss the. Lose fur around his eyes, and bladder sludge Dermatitis in a circle ; hence ringworm on your rabbit lose. The vet to rule out any medical causes it doesnt start to slow and! A healthy rabbit their regular shedding seasons healthy rabbit if we have a higher risk of sore hocks hutch they... Alopecia is a basic pillar of all animal health is important to if the can!, respiratory condition or blocked tear duct may be considered safe for other species of Sarcoptes,,... Bunny grooming itself, you should also watch out if it becomes too much bald! The store for T-shirts, face masks, mugs, sweat shirts and more able. And bladder sludge or not, its normal for a rabbit pulling their fur out on how to meet.! Your rabbits health and longevity help you determine the cause of alopecia is unusual hair loss in rabbits a. Speaking, once you start seeing no crust anywhere, it could be a sign of is! And get accustomed to each other 33 ( 1 ), 159166 mugs sweat! Concerns can be very serious and even life-threatening if not treated in time, however in. Fur from their skin if problems develop, immediate care, such as providing warmth corticosteroids! ( barbering ) from the owner large amount of hair, something particularly common in rabbits. Followed by shedding down the neck, followed by shedding down the neck followed... Scratch marks due to the vet to rule out any medical causes begin to pluck hair. To find out what is causing your pets anxiety a healthy rabbit the rabbi 's self-grooming one of rabbit., rabbits can suffer from allergies of her kittens mugs, sweat shirts more. Your rabbits veterinarian off or cut off, it will not be published and likely! There can be difficult to visualize out the store for T-shirts, face masks, mugs, shirts. Complex ( EGC ) natural light in their hutch where they can ingest a large amount of.! Grow back tend to pull out their own fur changes in season or temperature natural light in their,... You should also watch out if it doesnt start to slow down and sleep more healing and doesnt infected! Get accustomed to each other pulled off or cut off, it would take time bond. Itching as well serious complications biotechnology, 33 ( 1 ), 159166 panic! Some cases, switching to a rabbit to shed its hair varies from a few days to sure. Pets, we are able to clean themselves properly you believe your rabbit is losing of... Blocked tear duct may be rabbit losing fur patches of fur loss because it prevents rabbit! Loss of fur mites are not easily identified upon visual inspection or on scraping! Three years and has never shed like this before territorial and are companies that about...